Forehand History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Forehand family

The surname Forehand was first found in Connacht (Irish: Connachta, (land of the) descendants of Conn), where they were firstly known as Macgiollarnath or Mac Gilla na Naomh, meaning 'son of the devotee of the saints', which, through mistranslation and time emerged as an off-shoot of the main Clan through a chieftain O'Fuarthain or O'Fuarain, which, in English, became Forehand.

Early History of the Forehand family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Forehand research.Another 142 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1355, and 1816 are included under the topic Early Forehand History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Early Notables of the Forehand family (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Forehand Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Forehand family to the New World and Oceana

Thousands of Irish families left for North American shores in the 19th century. These people were searching for a life unencumbered with poverty, hunger, and racial discrimination. Many arrived to eventually find such conditions, but many others simply did not arrive: victims of the diseased, overcrowded ships in which they traveled to the New World. Those who lived to see North American shores were instrumental in the development of the growing nations of Canada and the United States. A thorough examination of passenger and immigration lists has disclosed evidence of many early immigrants of the name Forehand:

Forehand Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Gillian Forehand, who arrived in Maryland in 1671

Contemporary Notables of the name Forehand (post 1700)

John Forehand (b. 1965), American professional football player

Jennie M. Forehand (b. 1935), American politician, Member of the Maryland Senate (1995-)

Joe Forehand, American former Chairman of the board and former CEO of Accenture, current Chairman of the Board at First Data Corporation

Art Forehand, American State Official, Tallahassee, Florida

The Forehand Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Lucrum Christi mihiMotto Translation: Without Christ, there is no light.